If you get hurt in a scooter accident, someone else may be liable. To find out, consult with a Lafayette scooter accident lawyer. This gives you access to a legal professional who prioritizes your best interests.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we believe your voice is our voice. Put our 350 years of legal experience in your corner. Contact us today to discuss your case with our Lafayette personal injury lawyer.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Scooter Accident
Do not let someone get away with a scooter accident that leaves you with an injury. If you or someone else is hurt in an accident, seek help immediately. Use these tips to protect yourself and anyone else involved:
- Dial 911. When you do, medical personnel will come out to treat you and others who are injured, and police officers will get information from everyone at the scene.
- Go to the hospital. You might believe your injuries are not too bad, but the only way to find out if this is true is to have a doctor evaluate them.
- Do not take the blame. If the at-fault party tries to get you to admit to being at fault, do not respond, since whatever you say could hurt your chances of getting damages.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Attend follow-up doctor’s appointments and keep track of your medical bills because you will have to share information relating to your injury to secure compensation from a liable party.
Within days after you get hurt, reach out to a scooter accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA. To date, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has helped our personal injury clients recover over $1 billion in damages. Get in touch with our law firm in Lafayette, LA, to learn how we can help you with your accident case.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCost of a Scooter Accident
If you want to hire a scooter accident attorney in Lafayette, LA, think about your damages. You can request damages for economic and non-economic losses. Reasons to ask for damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of earning capacity
- Hospital bills
- Pain and suffering
What you request in damages depends on your case. For example, a Lafayette neck injury lawyer may help you pursue compensation for physical therapy and other medical treatment expenses. No matter what losses you incur, your lawyer will help you pursue the most damages possible.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWho Is Liable for a Scooter Accident
A Lafayette scooter accident attorney can help you identify the at-fault party. Since every case is different, figuring out who to sue can be tricky. One or more parties may be liable for your accident, and these include:
- The person driving the scooter
- Scooter manufacturer
- Scooter reseller
- Government entity
Our attorneys will review your case in detail. Once they identify a liable party, we will help you submit a request for damages. We can negotiate a settlement with this party or take your case to trial.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientProving Negligence in a Lafayette Scooter Accident Lawsuit
Your lawyer will answer questions about what product liability negligence is and how it relates to your case. If you claim you were injured due to someone else’s actions, you are responsible for proving negligence. To do so, you will have to show the following:
- A party had a legal obligation to you in which they were required to avoid acts that could put you and other people in danger.
- The party violated this act, and in doing so, caused your accident.
- Since the party is responsible for your accident, they are also liable for the injury you suffered.
- Because you were involved in an accident and got hurt, you face economic or non-economic losses or both.
You will need to do much more than just say a party was negligent. Fortunately, your lawyer understands the grounds for proving negligence. They will work with you to build a body of evidence that proves the other party is responsible for your accident and injury.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientWhen to File a Scooter Accident Lawsuit
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) 23:1209, you have up to one year from the date of your accident to ask for damages. The one-year statute of limitations applies to personal injury cases across the state. After one year, you will likely be solely responsible for your accident-related losses.
Your lawyer will submit your request for damages as soon as you agree to hire them to represent you. Once your lawsuit is filed, you have the option to settle. If a defendant proposes a settlement, you do not automatically have to accept their offer.
Getting a settlement offer can open the door to negotiations. Of course, it does not guarantee your case will be resolved outside the courtroom. If your lawyer believes it is best to go to trial, they can take your case in front of a judge or jury.
What Comparative Fault Means to Your Case
In Louisiana, there is a comparative fault rule that applies to personal injury lawsuits. With this, the defendant in your case can argue you are in some way at fault for your scooter accident. They may do so in the hopes of proving to a judge or jury that they should not have to pay all of the damages you are requesting.
To understand how this works, consider an example. A judge or jury says you are 30% liable for your accident. Since the defendant is 70% at fault, they are responsible for 70% of your accident-related losses.
Comparative fault still allows you to get damages even if you are 99% at fault for your accident. If the defendant has evidence that proves you are primarily liable, your lawyer will consider this. They can help you gather evidence to support your argument, review settlement proposals, and much more.
Request Help From a Lafayette Scooter Accident Lawyer
Getting damages from the party responsible for your scooter accident can be challenging. If you are not careful, you risk making mistakes during your litigation. In a worst-case scenario, a judge or jury will rule against you, and you will have to cover your accident-related losses out of your own pocket.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we are committed to transforming the lives of accident victims. When you work with us, you get our full team for your case. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation.
